You have got to get your car fixed and be able to get to work tomorrow, you start fumbling around for your 12 millimeter wrench and your 13 millimeter socket. Well not on the floor, perhaps you have them in that pile of sockets on the workbench, hmmm, nope. It's getting late now and the job is far from finished! You sure wish that you had your tools well organized. You keep promising yourself and it still has not happened, your garage still is a disaster. Sound like your house?
Perhaps it may be time for you to invest in a new tool chest. Since there are such a huge variety, and such a huge difference in price range you really need and then you can start shopping around.
Using Your Tool Box
To start how often do you feel you are going to use your tool box? If you are only apart time fix it person you could be pretty happy with a small plastic tool box, it will keep all of your tools clean and well organized. On the other hand if you spend a bit more time playing mechanic or perhaps plumber, then you might want something a little more substantial for your tools. If this describes you perhaps you should consider a large steel or a rolling tool chest.
Number of Tools
Do you have a lot of tools that you plan on storing in your tool box? If you have a small few items for working on small items around your home, then a fairly small tool box will work for you. If you are like me and need to house air tools, power tools, socket sets in metric and standard, multiple styles of hammers, and perhaps some timing lights and other items, then you will need a tool chest with several drawers to hold all of your tools.
When you start using a good sized tool box like a rolling tool chest with several drawers that roll out on ball bearings, you will find it easy to organize your tools, simple to find them when you need them, and find you have lots more free time available to work on the project you have in mind.
Key Locking Tool Box
Where are you keeping your tool box? Do you have any tools stored that may be dangerous to those around the house, do you have young children, are your tools super expensive? If your household or tools fall into any of these categories, you should consider a locking tool box to protect your investment and your family. Most new tool boxes that are a little nicer will come with a locking mechanism built in. if you have an older tool box on the other hand, you may need to purchase a pad lock to protect you equipment.
Tool Box Storage
Where do you plan to keep your tool chest? Is it going to stay down in your basement our out in your garage? Do you plan to push it around your yard, carry in the back of your truck or trailer? It will make a difference in the type of material you choose to have your unit made from. Steel is a good choice for many applications; it is strong and can be pretty lightweight. If you will be exposing the unit to lots of cold, heat or humidity, you might consider polypropylene as it is not going to rust and will not be as prone to problems in the cold. If you plan to move your tool box around your home often, you might consider getting a Rolling Tool Chest.
Now that you have decided on your basic needs and the prime uses that you will have for your tool chest, it's time to decide what tool box is going to be best for your actual need! You may base your decision on things like what color you like or maybe what colors fit your décor, if in a truck or trailer, maybe what color or material will work with your truck. Do you like a stackable chest, or just a flat box with a few drawers? What are your favorite materials, do you like plastics, an enamel finish, perhaps diamond plate